As protests against release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu continue, Water Resources Minister M B Patil reassured farmers of releasing sufficient water for irrigation. He also clarified that the affidavit was filed before the Supreme Court in 2012 based on the water level at that time.
Patil told ASHWINI M SRIPAD that they have faith in the Cauvery Supervisory Committee where they will explain about the status of farmers and water crisis in the state. With the lowest rainfall in the last four decades, the state government now pins all hits hopes on the panel, which they are meeting on Monday at New Delhi. Excerpts from an interview:
What next?
The Cauvery Supervisory Committee is meeting on Monday at Delhi. Our Chief Secretary and I will attend the meeting. We have sufficient documents and evidence to prove our case before the committee.
Did such a situation arise before?
In the last 41 years, this has been the worst year so far with deficient rain. Water levels have dipped precariously in reservoirs. We are facing a big crisis.
For how many days will farmers get water for irrigation?
A: We have released water to farmers in Cauvery basin where 2.91 lakh hectares is under cultivation. We will provide sufficient water to them this season. We need 40 tmcft for irrigation and 25 tmcft for drinking water. We will manage till next monsoon for drinking and agriculture purpose with alternative measures.
The State government had filed an affidavit agreeing to release water?
The affidavit was filed in 2012 based on that day’s water level. Even if the affidavit was not filed, the court would still have directed us to release water. In a normal year, Karnataka’s share is 272 tmcft, Tamil Nadu’s 192 tmcft and Kerala should get 18 tmcft. However, now with deficient rainfall, water levels are low in the reservoirs. As per the availability, proportionate water should be released to TN. This is almost the same as what has been stated in the affidavit.
Is there any proposal to change senior counsel Fali S Nariman ?
No, there is no question of changing Nariman.